Transport your taste buds to a world of bold flavors and comforting aromas with this Beef Curry recipe. Perfectly tender chunks of beef simmered in a spiced tomato-based gravy make this dish a family favorite. Whether served with fluffy basmati rice, buttery naan, or soft chapati, this curry is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Deep, Complex Flavors: The combination of aromatic spices creates a restaurant-quality curry.
- Tender Beef Every Time: Simmering the beef low and slow ensures it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it with rice, naan, or even quinoa for a modern twist.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 600g beef, cut into medium-sized chunks
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated or paste
- 1 tsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Curry Base
- 2 onions (shallot or brown), finely chopped
- 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic, finely grated or paste
- Handful of coriander, roughly chopped
- 4-5 tbsp cooking oil, ghee, or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups warm water (or enough to cover the beef)
For the Spices
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Cut the beef into evenly-sized cubes. In a bowl, mix the beef with salt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, ginger, and oil. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatic Base
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the grated garlic and cook for a few seconds until lightly browned.
Step 3: Build the Curry
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until softened. Stir in the marinated beef, followed by chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes to coat the beef in the spices.
Step 4: Simmer the Curry
Pour in 2 cups of warm water, ensuring the beef is covered. Add salt to taste, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the beef is tender, adjust the seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh coriander, and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with additional coriander for a vibrant touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve with steamed basmati rice for a traditional touch.
- Bread Option: Pair with naan or chapati for scooping up the flavorful curry.
- Side Dish: Add a side of cooling raita or cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the beef is essential for infusing it with bold flavors.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering the curry on low heat ensures tender beef and a rich sauce.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For a milder curry, reduce the chili powder or skip the fresh chili garnish.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Beef curry freezes beautifully. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.